# What Do I Use Here's a quick snapshot of the tech I use daily. While this might not interest everyone, I've always enjoyed exploring other people's setups and tool choices. It's often led me to discover exciting new software and setup ideas. For more on this concept, check out [awesome-uses](https://github.com/wesbos/awesome-uses) by Wes Bos or browse [uses.tech](http://uses.tech) to explore other people's gear. # Hardware > [!NOTE] Disclaimer > I'm deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, primarily for its effectiveness and integration capabilities. Yes, walled gardens do exist 🤷🏻‍♂️ ## Computing My computing setup has evolved significantly over the years, and I've found a workflow that really works for me: My primary device is the **[2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad_Pro_(5th_generation))**. It's become my go-to for almost everything, from writing to content consumption. I run an **[M2 Mac Mini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Mini#Apple_silicon_unibody_(2020%E2%80%932023))** (24GB RAM) as my home server. It's primarily used for: - Running personal applications - Background tasks - Future plans include setting up a Home Assistant server (when I finally find the time!) I also have an **[M2 MacBook Air](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Air_(Apple_silicon)#M2_and_M3_(2022%E2%80%93present))** (base configuration) lying around. It doesn't see much action, but it's there when I need a traditional computing experience. ## Mobile & Audio Currently rocking the **[iPhone 15 Pro Max](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_15_Pro#Hardware)** (256GB). This is actually my first venture into the Max form factor, and surprisingly, it's working out great! I do use a [MagSafe PopSocket](https://www.popsockets.com/en-us/pages/whatismagsafe.html) for easier handling - it's been a game-changer. For audio, I'm all in on the **[AirPods Pro](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/111834) (3rd Gen, USB-C)**. Here's a funny thing about me - thanks to my ADHD, I tend to misplace them or forget to charge them. So, I've developed a system. I have 4 pairs strategically placed: - One in each room - One in my bag - This way, I always have a charged pair ready to go! ## Gaming Gaming has recently made its way back into my life, but with a twist - I'm not a Windows person at all. My gaming setup is built around two primary devices: the **[Steam Deck OLED](https://www.steamdeck.com/en/oled)** (1TB) and an **[Xbox Series X](https://www.xbox.com/en-CA/consoles/xbox-series-x)**. The Steam Deck has been a revelation. Its portability and versatility are unmatched, and I find myself reaching for it more often than any other gaming device. What makes it even more impressive is how I've integrated it with my Xbox gaming through **[XbPlay](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2693120/XBPlay/)**. This neat little app lets me stream games directly from my Xbox at home or tap into Xbox Cloud Gaming when I'm on the move. I do have a [Nintendo Switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch) somewhere in the house, but ever since getting the Steam Deck, it's been gathering dust. The Deck's capabilities and flexibility have completely changed how I approach gaming on the go. # Software Tools ## Productivity - This website is managed using [**Obsidian Publish**](https://obsidian.md). I use Obsidian for all my knowledge management and note-taking. I love its extensibility and the fact that all files are stored locally. One challenge I face is that because I'm deeply entrenched in iOS, Obsidian Sync doesn't sync in the background, which can sometimes be a pain, especially when working on the iPad. - I have been using [**Fantastical**](https://flexibits.com/fantastical) for almost a decade now. Being Apple-first, it has replaced tools like Calendly, Woven, and others over time. - I manage all my to-do lists (and checklists) using [**Todoist**](https://todoist.com). What I love the most about it is its rich API support and integration with third-party apps. Since I am big on automations, I can use tools like Apple Shortcuts, Zapier, n8n.io, and various others to tie into my to-do app seamlessly. - I also use [**Drafts**](https://getdrafts.com) as my catch-all tool for all random ideas I might want to capture. However, this has reduced a bit now since I started using Actions for Actions for Obsidian Shortcuts actions to capture within Obsidian. I still use various automations set up via Apple Shortcuts, IFTTT, and Raycast to streamline my workflows. - I used to design prototypes in [**Balsamiq**](https://balsamiq.com). Recently, I have moved on to [**Figma**](https://figma.com) and the wonderful [**Concepts**](https://concepts.app) app on the iPad, which supports infinite canvases. ## Utilities - Every time I set up a new computer (macOS), these are the software I install before anything else: - [**Raycast**](https://www.raycast.com) - I had used Alfred since 2015, but since 2024, I have moved to Raycast. It's not just a great replacement for the operating system's default Spotlight Search bar, but it also allows me to do amazing stuff like convert currencies, generate _lorem ipsum_ text blocks, search for an emoji, and streamline workflows with its extensive integrations. Additionally, Raycast has replaced Moom for all my window management needs, simplifying and enhancing my workflow further. - [**BetterTouchTool**](https://folivora.ai) - I am an automation nut. Even though I am not a professional developer, I love to code as a hobby. And BetterTouchTool is the best tool to help one achieve that. If you haven't tried it yet, you must! - [**Bartender**](https://www.macbartender.com) - It's an excellent tool to hide away all the useless icons macOS decides to crowd the menu bar with, along with the various other applications one ends up installing on the system. - [**1Password**](https://1password.com) is my password manager of choice. It works beautifully on all the platforms I use. ## Communication - I am a big fan of [asynchronous messaging](https://thenextweb.com/contributors/2017/08/01/asynchronous-messaging-beats-real-time-messaging/). Naturally, my most preferred communication tool of choice is **E-mails**. Yes, I'm traditional that way. My e-mail app of choice is [**Superhuman**](https://superhuman.com). I know it's freakishly expensive, but its relentless focus on keyboard shortcuts for doing everything about email management has made it an unbeatable tool for me. - For work-related instant messaging, I mostly use [**Slack**](https://slack.com/). On the personal front, I am available on **Discord** and **iMessage**. I know many people use WhatsApp, but I’m not a big fan of it since it doesn’t have a native app for the iPad yet. As I mentioned above, the iPad is my primary computing device of choice. - I’ve quit Facebook and Twitter. Now, I’m available on [**Bluesky**](https://bsky.app/profile/shayonpal.bsky.social), [**Mastodon**](https://mstdn.ca/@shayonpal), and [**Threads**](https://www.threads.net/@shayonpal). ## Project Management - When it comes to project management, I'm yet to find a tool that can beat Atlassian's [**JIRA**](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira). Yes, it's considered monolithic and uncool, but it's highly efficient in managing huge teams and work load. - For managing the product lifecycle and roadmaps, I swear by [**Aha!**](https://www.aha.io) - Sometimes, when working on passion projects with friends, I end up going for [**Supabase**](https://supabase.com), or simply [**Google SpreadSheets**](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/) :) ## Analytics - [**TablePlus**](https://tableplus.com) is a GUI-based multi-purpose database management tool. I often use it to query databases and crunch numbers for product analytics. - [**Firebase**](https://firebase.google.com) is my analytics platform of choice for both website and mobile apps' traffic. - I am a big fan of [**Localytics**](https://www.localytics.com) to understand various engagement and marketing metrics for the products I manage.